We’ve reached a critical point in Kentucky – one where our prisons and jails are full, overdose deaths continue to rise and far too many children have parents who are imprisoned.

We can no longer afford to cling to the outdated idea that prison is the only way to effectively hold people accountable for their crimes. Instead, we need to take a smarter, more measured approach to criminal justice.

On Saturday, May 28, the 17th annual Judge Satterwhite Golf Shamble was held at Fairway Golf Course in Wheatley. All proceeds went to benefit Trust For Life’s Satterwhite Recipient Assistance Fund. The Fund was established in 2001 to financially assist Kentucky organ transplant recipients with expenses that they cannot afford or are not covered by insurance.

As we look forward to nicer weather, school being out for the summer and summer activities, I wanted to inform the citizens of Owen County about the road closure scheduled for June 1-30.

There seems to be some confusion around this subject. The reality is one city block will be closed. That block is from the traffic light at East Adair to the Seminary Street traffic light (and just to the edge of the People’s Bank drive through).

“The Sisters Act” Relay For Life team would like to thank you so much for supporting our annual Relay for Life Fish Fry event. It was a great turnout for the weather and a huge success due to the support of our great community.

Each year we have asked Sisterly Touch, Tricky Ricky, and the Owen County Historical Society to help and they have always stepped up without any hesitation. Not only do they donate their time they donate their hearts to this special event.

While there are legitimate concerns about expanding and inefficient government, little is heard about the good work performed by government employees. Last week, after the area received 2 inches of rain in a short period, employees of the state highway department cleared Highway 368 of driveway washout and cleaned culverts and drainage ditches. This work was performed efficiently and professionally. During this same week, state and local emergency personnel spent many hours in the recovery efforts of a drowning victim in Indian Creek.

I wish to invite your readers to join us in Frankfort at noon, Wednesday, May 4, at the Capitol front terrace for prayer and again from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursday, May 5, at the Owen County Courthouse in the center of town for the National Day of Prayer. Bring a song, a scripture and a prayer and join those who wish to pray for our city, county, state and nation.